sports The Kelliher/Northome Mustangs hosted the McGregor Mercuries Sept. 16, hoping for another win but they came up short, losing to McGregor, 37-14.
The Mustangs were unable to put any points on the board until the third quarter where they put in six points and then added eight more in the fourth.
Offensively,...
Bemidji, 56619

Bemidji Minnesota P.O. Box 455 56619

2012-08-06 12:35:21

The Kelliher/Northome Mustangs hosted the McGregor Mercuries Sept. 16, hoping for another win but they came up short, losing to McGregor, 37-14.

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The Mustangs were unable to put any points on the board until the third quarter where they put in six points and then added eight more in the fourth.

Offensively, K/N had a total of 98 yards in 32 carries, had 15 passing attempts and five completions for 79 yards.

"We lack consistency on offense," said Mustang head coach Derrick Gross. "Little mistakes killed four good drives in the first half. Our quarterbacks and running backs need to be more crisp, quick and efficient in the backfield so that our backs get to the point of attack faster," he said.

He also stated that the Mustang inside linebacker position opposite Lance Pink needs to step it up.

Pink was one of the defensive leaders of the game with 21 tackles and Caleb Schneider had 14.

"We matched up well with McGregor on both sides of the ball. Our own errors allowed McGregor to control and dictate the game to us," said Gross.

The Mustang coach also explained that McGregor is very efficient and well coached.

"They do not make mistakes and are quite physical," said Gross. "If you make mistakes, McGregor will beat you."

The Mustangs moved the ball pretty well in the first half but missed multiple opportunities in the passing game, according to Gross.

"In the second half, we were unable to play to our own strengths due to playing catch-up and continuously putting ourselves in poor down and distance situations," he said.

The coach touted the efforts of two of his players -- Pink and Scott Pierson. Their coach admonished that they both did a magnificent job on the offensive line.

"Lance single handedly kept McGregor from scoring more than they did," said Gross. "Jeff Roosdett had several big plays including a blocked punt that he returned for our second touchdown."

Homecoming for the Mustangs is Sept. 23 when they will be playing Hill City who is 0-3 but play everyone physically.

"They like to pass alot," said Gross. "If we can prevent big plays by their athletic quarterback and receivers we will be fine. We should be able to control the line of scrimmage and get back to our style of ball control offense," he said.

Gross also said that his team needed to focus on the areas of improvement he had mentioned earlier.

"It's also Homecoming for us so we cannot let the festivities distract us from the business end of the deal," he said.

Gross said that he and the other coaches believe they are on the verge of putting the little things in place that will allow them to take their game to the next level.

"We have gotten improvement each week so far. Our young and inexperienced players are learning quickly," he said. "We are for the most part healthy so our depth is as deep as it has ever been. Once we eliminate the mental errors, fine tune our execution on offense and reads on defense, we really like our chances in the second half of the season and playoffs."